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ýý47'so:,.- ----L,-I -1ýIa.igt I AnimeAnime, or Japanese animation, first appeared asa tiny blip on the U.S. pop culture radar in the 1960s with suchTV series as Astro Boy and Speed Racer. But thanks to the explosive popularity of manga, Japanese print comics, increased anime programnig on American cable channels, and cross-mediamarketing, this uniquely Japanese art form, which already has asustained fan base, is attracting a new audience. The current generation of animation fans are more likely to know by heart all ofHayao Miyazaki's films (the Oscar-winning SpiritedAway, Howl'sMoving Castle) than the recent spate of Disney productions. In aninteresting aside, the Wachowsoki Brothers, who have cited theinfluence of anime on their Matrix movies, are remaking SpeedRaceras a live-action film, due out in 2008.crossover-Naruto, for example, is aimed at an older teen maleaudience but also appeals to other viewers.Anime storytelling shares its traditions with manga (whichwas originally inspired as much by film as by print cartoons)but, ultimately, is more cinematic than cartoonish. Animationcan do what is either impossible or prohibitively expensive inlive-action films: exaggerate action, dilate time, pop peopleinto caricature only to return to "normal" character design inthe next instant, and telegraph laughter or an emotional statethrough a standard lexicon of visual symbols and cues. Thisstyle can take some getting used to, especially the quicksilvershifts in mood from silly to serious and back again, but the endresult often is compelling and evocative.A storytelling mediumAnime 101Anime titles are varied, innovative, and quite distinct fromWestern animation traditions, though the cross-cultural exchange is getting more noticeable, as seen in Shinya Ohira'sanime sequence in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 1 and anime-inspired U.S.-made cartoons like SamuraiJack, Teen TitansGo!, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Unlike U.S. animation,which is still pigeonholed as a medium for children, animationin Japan is used to tell any and every kind of story, from children's adventure to adult drama. This sometimes results in themisconception that anime is predominantly violent or sexual.And like the manga that is frequently its source material, anime is targeted to specific audiences, though there is significantRobin Brenner,a Reference and Teen Librarianin Brookline, MA, is thecreator and editor in chiefof the graphic novel review web site No FlyingNo Tights (wuw.noflyingnotights.com) and a 2007 LJ Mover & Shaker.Her guidefor librarians,Understanding Manga and Anime, is nowavailablefrom Libraries UnlimitedANIME'.There are three major anime categories: feature films like Spirited Away and Ghost in the Shell; animated TV series like Narutoand Cowboy Bebop; and original video animations (OVAs, alsoreferred to as OAVs), standalone tides like Samurai X or Read orDie that are released directly to the home video market. Feature films are the most expensive to create and are meant tohave broad appeal and showcase superior animation. TV seriesare also aimed at a wider audience but can also be more variedin target viewers. OVAs are aimed at a specific audience andmay tackle subjects that are outside the mainstream and contain more mature content.Japan has more than 430 anime production companies; in2003, over 80 anime TV shows were on the air, and animeaccounted for almost 70 percent of DVD sales. Here in theUnited States, more anime is making its way onto TV via programming blocks like Cartoon Network's Adult Swim andToonami and also on G4, Showtime, and the Sci-Fi Channel.The medium now has its own cable channel, ADV Film's An-IA IBy Robin Brenner46 1 LIBRARY JOURNAL I JULY 20074LWWW.LIBRARYJOURNAL.COM REVIEWS, NEWS, AND MORE'
ime Network (theanimenetwork.com), and multiple offeringsare available through on-demand services.Counsel & caveatsIn collecting anime, your budget will affect what you can acquire. Standalone films don't need a large influx of cash, buta complete TV series requires greater financial investment.Many production companies and distributors, such as ADVFilms (www.advfilms.com), Geneon (www.geneonanimation.com), and VIZ Media (www.viz.com), now offer boxed setsof series, though some (ADV, Bandai [www.bandai-ent.com],and VIZ) are cheaper than others (Geneon). If you don't haveimmediate demand for a particular series, wait for a cheaperforthcoming collection. If you're starting a new collection,purchase a number of popular new series as they are releasedto spread out the expense over time. Standing orders for series, available from vendors like Baker & Taylor and BWI, helpkeep you up-to-date.Keep in mind that much anime is unrated; most programsare not reviewed by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) unless they have a theatrical U.S. release. Animedistributors do their best to rate, but there is no industrywidestandard. Check each individual distributor's rating scheme andreviews from outside sources-web sites like the Anime NewsNetwork and Parent's Guide to Anime (both in the bibliography) offer their own judgment on the appeal and appropriate audience for each title reviewed. Libraries should be awarethat shelving each title in its appropriate collection-children's,teen, or adult-is important in educating patrons that titles exist for each age range.Most anime DVDs offer the original Japanese language audio track and the dubbed English track; fans prefer both options. Dubbing quality has long been debated among animeLANDMARK ANIMEThese titles represent recent classics in anime and act as touchstones for viewers inestablishing excellence in style, technique,and story.Akira: Special Edition, color. 124 min.Pioneer: Geneon. 2001. DVD 24.98.Set in a ravaged future Tokyo, this complex sf action tale highlights the dangerousconsequences of using science to play God.Engaging the viewer on a mature and intelligent level, Akira triggered the realizationin the United States that animation couldbe for adults.Ghost in the Shell. color. 125 min. MangaEntertainment. 1996. DVD 19.98.Like Akira, this film astonished U.S. audiences with its smart take on internationalsurveillance in a world where cyborgs arethe norm and the difference between manand machine is dwindling. Less successfulare the sequels, but the TV series, startingwith Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex,is much closer to the multilayered sourcemanga, allowing in-depth character devel-fans, so editions with at least the Japanese-language track, withEnglish subtitles, are preferred over an English-only dub.As with any popular medium, libraries should try to balancetheir anime collection between what's popular right now andwhat will become classics. Although few Miyazaki titles are highlighted in this list, libraries should collect the entire opus of one ofJapan's greatest animators. Many viewers new to anime find Miyazaki's films the most engaging, perhaps because they are whatU.S. audiences expect from our own best animated films.A year ago, FullmetalAlchemist was the buzz-worthy title; nowthe frenzy for all things Naruto has racheted up. Both series titles will maintain interest after the furor has died down, butit can be a gamble when trying to pick the winners from thenew releases. Pay attention to patron requests and solicit localanime fans' opinions on what's upcoming. You can also keepcurrent with manga and anime blogs, especially with promptpreviews or reviews of new series.Many anime fans also keep tabs on what's about to break outhere by watching content available online. Companies fromADV to VIZ to Central Park Media (www.centralparkmedia.com) have made extended trailers, interviews, and even full episodes of new series available for download. And reports on programs not yet available in the United States by web sites like AnimeonDVD.com can help librarians determine what titles, oncethey are released, will be quality additions for their collections.While this article will focus on a core DVD collection oflandmark anime films and essential series, don't forget books thatcover the history and art of anime. Stone Bridge Press (www.stonebridge.com), which specializes in books about Japan, is asolid resource for anime titles. Starred [*] titles below are especially popular and good for anime club discussions. [ISBNs arenot as ingrained in the video industry as in book publishing; wehave provided ISBN information where available.-Ed.]opment and extended story arcs. Incorporating frequent, nonsexual nudity, the theatrical release isrecommended for mature olderteens and adults, although the TV series isfine for adolescents and adults.Grave of the Fireflies: Special Collector'sEdition. 2 vols. color. 159 min. Central ParkMedia. 2002. DVD ISBN 978-1-58664-202-0. 29.98.By turns touching and heartbreaking, this1988 anime classic follows two orphanedchildren struggling to survive in the aftermath of the World War II firebombing ofKobe. Concentrating on the effect ofwar oncivilians, this is one of the few anime filmsset during the conflict. Despite its youngprotagonists, it is most suited to teen andadult audiences.Metropolis. color. 108 min. Sony Pictures.2002. DVD ISBN 978-0-7678-8180-7. 24.95.A utopian city is brought down by one displaced robot girl searching for her true place.Inspired by "the god of manga" OsamuTezuka's work and Fritz Lang's famous 1929film, legendary director Rintaro's gorgeouswork uses the themes of class prejudice andhumanity's responsibility to its own creations to highlight a common theme in anime. A harsh fable despite the cute characterdesign, this title is great for teens and up.My Neighbor Totoro. color. 86 min. WaltDisney Home Entertainment. 2006. DVO ISBN978-0-7888-3403-5. 29.98.Two rambunctious girls move with their father to the country to be near their motheras she recuperates from a long illness. Theymeet various benevolent natural spirits, including Totoro, the keeper of the forest.This magical film from Hayao Miyazakiremains a favorite for children and adults.Samurai X: The Complete Collection. 5 vols.color. 510 min. ADV Films. 2006. DVD ISBN978-1-4139-1320-0. 99.98.Amidst civil war and increasingly fractious politics in Meiji-period Japan, assassinRurouni Kenshin begins to regret his roleand tries to find a way toward peace. A prequel to the favorite Rurouni Kenshin TV series, these OVAs are markedly more serious,JULY 2007 1 LIBRARY JOURNAL 1 47
Collection Development I Animewith elegant, lethal fighting and relationshipsportrayed more through glances than words.This complete set is well worth the price, butthe bloody and brutal violence makes thisappropriate only for older teens and adults."*Spirited Away. color. 125 min. BuenaVista. 2001. DVD ISBN 978-0-7888-4461-4. 29.99.Another by Miyazaki, this 2003 Oscar winner for Best Animated Film and anime topseller is a favorite among fans. The story intertwines international myths and folklorewith a coming-of-age tale.*Tokyo Godfathers. color. 92 min. SonyPictures. 2003. DVD ISBN 978-1-4049-46910. 26.96.Three homeless misfits-a runaway 'tweengirl, a drunken middle-aged failure, and aformer drag queen-discover an abandonedbaby in Tokyo one Christmas Eve and tryto reunite her with her parents. This sweet,character-driven film is a marked departurefor director Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika), best known for psychological thrillers.Although this anime is suitable for a widerange of ages, younger audiences may notquite understand the characters' hardships ordrag queen Hana's gender identity.THE SERIESAzumanga Daioh: Class Album. color. 6 vols.650 min. ADV Films. 2005. DVD 69.98.A young teacher attempts to instruct a childprodigy, a new girl, a wallflower, a loudmouth, a wild card, and a jock in this seriesthat takes the roller-coaster emotions andinsecurities that plague high school studentsand cranks the wackiness into high gear. Ahilarious example of the sillier side of animeand a hit with teens.Cowboy Bebop Remix. 6 vols. Vol. 1: ISBN978-1w59409-481-1; Vol. 2: ISBN 978-159409-482-8; Vol. 3: ISBN 978-1-59409483-5; Vol. 4: 978-1-59409-484-2; Vol. 5:ISBN 978-1-59409-485-9; Vol. 6: ISBN 9781-59409-486-6.ea. vol: color. 125 min. Bandai. 2005-06.DVD 29.98.Bounty hunters Spike Siegel and Jet Blackwork the space around Mars from their ship,the Bebop. Living from prize to prize, theypick up the shady Faye Valentine and 'tweenhacker tomboy Ed along the way, creating akind of dysfunctional family. The resultingadventures are a mix of traditional noir andOld West showdowns sprinkled with burstsof snide humor, all set to a hot jazz score."*FruitsBasket: Series Box Set. 4 vols.color. 532 min. FUNimation. 2004. DVD 99.98.48I LIBRARY JOURNAL I JULY 2007Cute, earnest, and sweet, Tohru discoversthe Sohma family curse-when hugged bysomeone of the opposite sex, each memberturns into an animal from the Chinese zodiac-and decides it's up to her to break it.This charming and gentle fantasy is a favorite among younger teens."*Fullmetal Alchemist. 13 vols. Vol. 1:ISBN 978-1-4210-0649-9; Vol. 2: ISBN978-1-4210-0650-5; Vol. 3: ISBN 978-14210-0651-2; Vol. 4: ISBN NA; Vol. 5: ISBN978-1-4210-0653-6; Vol. 6: ISBN 978-14210-0654-3; Vol. 7: ISBN 978-1-42100656-7; Vol. 8: ISBN 978-1-4210-0657-4;Vol. 9: ISBN 978-1-4210-0658-1; Vol. 10:ISBN 978-1-4210-0660-4; Vol. 11: ISBN 9781-4210-0661-1; Vol. 12: ISBN 978-1-42100662-8; Vol. 13: ISBN 978-1-4210-0663-5.ea. vol: color. 105 min. FUNimation. 200507. DVD 29.98.Alchemy has one rule: to create something,you must sacrifice something of equal value.Edward and Alphonse Elric, brothers andalchemists, try the unthinkable-to bringtheir mother back from the dead. But noone has ever figured out what balances alost soul, and the consequences of breakingthe rules are considerable. With plenty ofhumor, adventure, and action, this first-ratefantasy portrays a fascinating alternate worldteeming with magic, conspiracies, and fearsome villains. This series continues to bepopular with teens. The theatrical film sequel is equally worthy of collecting, thoughit doesn't stand completely on its own.Inuyasha: Season 1. 2004. ISBN 978-159116-683-2.Inuyasha: Season 2. 2005. ISBN 978-14215-0035-5.Inuyasha: Season 3. 2006. ISBN 978-14215-0785-9.ea. vol: 5 vols. 675 min. VIZ Media. DVD 99.98.Kagome falls down a well at her family'sshrine and lands in a magical, alternatefeudal-era Japan where she's a prophesiedheroine. Then there's Inuyasha, her reluctanthalf-human, half-dog-demon companion,bickering with her at every turn but nonetheless remaining a strong ally. Bouncingback and forth between modern Japan andthe Warring States period, this long-running anime follows Kagome's complicatedadventures. The combination of fantasy adventure and humor keeps it one of the mostpopular with teens and up.Naruto: Uncut Box Set. Vol. 1.2006. ISBN978-1-4215-0797-2.Naruto: Uncut Box Set. Vol. 2. 2006. ISBN978-1-4215-0798-9.Naruto: Uncut Box Set. Vol, 3. 2007. ISBN978-1-4215-1434-5.ea. vol: 3 vols. color. 325 min. VIZ Media.DVD 49.98.Full of action, humor, suspense, and a gooddose of heart, Naruto focuses on the coming of age of a trio of ninjas in training.The slapstick adds laughs, and the action isas cool as any ninja combat should be, butthe real strengths of the series are its sustained character development and the senseof honor and duty that drives the ninja intheir work. While the episodes shown onTV are edited for younger viewers, the collected DVD sets are unedited and are mostappropriate for teens and up.Neon Genesis Evangelion: PlatinumCollection. 6 vols. 650 min. ADV Films. 2005.DVD ISBN 978-1-4139-1283-8. 89.98.Eva, as it is known by fans, is the mecha (ormechanical-oriented) series that twisted the"boy and his robot" tropes into a mystical,grim examination of humanity and psychology. Teen pilots are recruited to guidehumanity's last hope against alien invasion,the giant robot Evas. A very personal creation for writer/director Hideaki Anno, theseries is notable for its inventive design andits protagonists, who are a far cry from theusual brave, unflinching anime heroes. Thetitle influenced a wide range of subsequentseries, yet fans still debate the controversialending. Given the violence and sensuality,especially at the end, this title is most appropriate for older teens and adults.* Samurai 7: Complete Series. 7 vols. 600min. FUNimation. 2007. DVD 99.98.An sf reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa'sThe Seven Samurai is an ambitious project,but this series succeeds as both homage tothe original film and a way to draw youngviewers into a now classic story. The village of Kanna needs to fight off a groupof bandits bent on stealing its precious ricecrop, so villagers go in search of samuraiwilling to aid their cause. Featuring thrilling action and a meticulously imaginedsteampunk environment, this series appeals to teens and adults alike.Samurai Champloo: Complete Box Set. 7vols. 650 min. Geneon. 2006. DVD 199.98.In Tokugawa-eraJapan,Jin is an unflappable,ruthless, and honor-bound samurai, whileWWW.LIBRARYJOURNALCOM REVIEWS, NEWS, AND MORE]'
of works. Trends and themes are highlighted as well as titles. (LJ 3/1/07)Mugen is untrained, reckless, and deadly.When they meet, they can't wait to fight tothe death, but loudmouth waitress Fuu tricksboth into agreeing to help her search for the"samurai who smells of sunflowers." Thisshow is most famous for its combination ofanachronistic elements (a hip-hop soundtrack,fashion) with a classic samurai tale. The actionis exhilarating, the humor sassy, and the trio'suneasy bonds lend just enough emotion tokeep it all together. Some occasional cursingand sensual encounters make this title best forolder teens and adults, though most is innuendo rather than anything explicit.Drazen, Patrick. Anime Explosion! TheWhat? Where? and Wow! of JapaneseAnimation. Stone Bridge, dist. byConsortium. 2002. 382p. illus. bibliog.index. ISBN 978-1-880656-72-3. 18.95.In the first half of this title, pop cultureacademic Drazen explores the characters,themes, and styles that recur in anime.He devotes the book's second half toexamining classic examples from filmsand TV series and provides illuminatinginsight into each. Great for fans who are inbetween novice and expert. (LJ 1/03)Napier, Susan J.Anime from Akira to Howl'sMoving Castle: Experiencing ContemporaryJapanese Animation. rev. ed. PalgraveMacmillan. 2005. 384p. ISBN 978-1-40397052-7. pap. 17.95.This classic, revised in 2005, is an excellent introduction to the history, style, andbreadth of Japanese anime. Each academicessay focuses on different themes, from gender to magical girls to anime's take on history, and Napier reports on it all with clearand intuitive prose.Twelve Kingdoms: Premium Box Set 1. 550Patten, Fred. Watching Anime, Readingmin.Manga- 25 Years of Essays and Reviews.Twelve Kingdoms: Premium Box Set 2. 575Stone Bridge, dist. by Consortium. 2004.min.376p. illus. ISBN 978-1-880656-92-1. pap.ea. vol: 5 vols. Anime Works. 2005. DVD 18.95. 99.95Patten, a longtime anime and manga fan,Based on a series of novels, this epic is evgathers 25 years' of his essays and reviews.erything a fantasy fan could want. YoukoHis collection follows the growth of the indesperately wants to fit in, but when she anddustry and its fandom, including the quirks,two classmates are whisked away to anotherand provides an update on the field.world and then abandoned, she's barelyequipped to deal with surviving a strangePoitras, Gilles. The Anime Companion:new environment. Youko is, of course, desWhat's Japanese in Japanese Animation.tined to be a queen, and her journey from1998. 176p. ISBN 978-1-880656-32-7. pap.timid coward to fierce ruler is what makes 16.95.the series shine. The drawback is that thePoitras, Gilles. The Anime Companionseries halted in the middle, leaving a number2: More.What's Japanese in Japaneseof arcs unresolved. Manga publisher TokyoAnimation. 2005. 160p. ISBN 978-1pop is beginning to release the source nov880656-96-9. pap. 18.95. (U 11/15/05)els, so at least there's hope of getting the endPoitras, Gilles. Anime Essentials: Everyyoungforof the story. Entirely appropriatea Fan Needs To Know. 2000. 128p.Thingteens up to adults, though teens who lovepap. 14.95.978-1-880656-53-2.ISBNfantasy epics will embrace it most readily.ea. vol. Stone Bridge, dist. by Consortium.From foods characters eat and commonPRINT RESOURCESsounds to the finer points of anime fan culThe Anime Encyclopedia: AGuide toture, these relatively slim and easy-to-readJapanese Animation Since 1917. rev. ed.paperbacks by a San Francisco librarian packStone Bridge, dist. by Consortium. 2006.a lot of detail, making them especially ap850p. ed. by Jonathan Clements &Helenpealing to general readers looking for moreMcCarthy. illus. ISBN 978-1-933330-10-5.basic info and less academic discussion.98380; 800-692-2270; www.videolibrarian.com. ISSN 0887-6851.This is the one professional review journalthat includes Japanese anime in every issue,highlighted in its own section.ONLINE RESOURCESAnime Caf6: AParent's Guide to Animewww.abcb.com/parents5For parents and librarians looking for animein particular age ranges, this excellent siteprovides in-depth reviews and rates animeusing the familiar MPAA system.The Anime News Networkwww.animenewsnetwork.comOne-stop shopping for any anime series.The main site provides daily news andcommentary on the anime industry, bothin Japan and in the United States, as wellas timely, substantial reviews. The onlineencyclopedia has detailed informationabout each series, including original release dates, genres, audience recommendations, and production notes. Links relate manga and anime series and providecontext for each title.ICv2.comwww.icv2.comAimed at retailers and librarians and including everything from statistics to featurearticles, this site is unbeatable for keepingup with the market. It also produces ICv2Guide, an excellent print resource for bothmarket information and librarian-authoredreviews on manga and anime.The Librarian's Guide to Animewww.koyagi.com/Libguide.htmlGilles Poitras is well known for his printguides (see above), and this web site complements his books by providing comprehensive advice on collecting anime, includingcataloging tips, preferred terms and vocabulary, and recommended further reading. NA-oilpap. 29.95.With entries identifying over 2000 featurefilms and TV series, this encyclopedia covers a century of anime history and is a greatresource for basic information on a variety'WWW.LIBRARYJOURNAL.COMPERIODICALSVideo Librarian. bi-m. 64. Randy Pitman.8705 Honeycomb Ct. NW, Seabeck, WAREVIEWS, NEWS, AND MOREJULY 2007 1 LIBRARY JOUPNAL 1 49
COPYRIGHT INFORMATIONTITLE: Anime’s Brave New WorldSOURCE: Libr J 132 no12 Jl 2007Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier,Inc. All rights reserved. To contact the publisher:http://www.reedbusiness.com
previews or reviews of new series. Many anime fans also keep tabs on what's about to break out here by watching content available online. Companies from ADV to VIZ to Central Park Media (www.centralparkmedia. com) have made extended trailers, interviews, and even full epi-sodes of new series ava
